Thanks to the Aurora Order's efforts, Alaric and his allies had long acquired intelligence on the Numinous Episcopate. Though they had plans to bring the group under control, Azik's incomplete recovery, combined with their recent focus on dealing with Amon, pushing reforms, and saving the City of Silver, had delayed any moves against the Numinous Episcopate.
Now, hearing that Azik could influence the Artificial Death faction through the Artificial Death itself, Alaric was thrilled. While a direct assault was an option, sowing internal discord and winning over a portion of the faction would make their eventual actions far smoother.
"It's possible." Azik nodded. "The strongest among them seems to be a Sequence 2 angel, but I can sense they're in poor condition." He paused, then added, "I can only exert a slight influence, though. Direct control is beyond me."
"You've hit a glitch there." Alaric said, stroking his chin. "Since you and your other soul-half share the same origin, it might be causing some misjudgment in the Uniqueness's power." He suddenly grinned. "So, Mr. Azik, can you issue a divine oracle?"
"I can, but they might not listen." Azik replied, nodding.
"No matter." Alaric said, winking with a smile. "Some oracles achieve their effect the moment they're issued."
"Like what?" Azik asked, his expression curious.
Klein, too, was intrigued by what Jack had in mind.
"I am Death, I have returned. Send me fifty, and I'll name you Death Consul come tomorrow… Ahem, just kidding!" Alaric couldn't resist a playful quip before letting out a dry laugh and clearing his throat. "I am Death, I have returned. I absolve the past and redeem you. First Commandment: No living sacrifices…"
Alaric rattled off ten commandments in one breath, then took a big sip of his coffee. "Something like that. If you're not satisfied with the wording, Mr. Azik, feel free to tweak it. Then send this message to everyone in the Artificial Death faction."
The Goddess of the Night, having hijacked the Artificial Death's mantle, avoided issuing messages to maintain stability within the Numinous Episcopate, fearing discovery and rebellion. Alaric had no such concerns.
Whether the Numinous Episcopate's leaders acknowledged it or not, Azik was Death's most legitimate heir. The reaction of Vice Admiral Ailment's crew upon seeing Azik proved that, at least among the group's lower and middle ranks, the Death Consul's existence carried weight and recognition.
This wasn't surprising. The Numinous Episcopate was founded by remnants of the Balam royal family and Death's church. For years, they'd maintained their faith in Death, whether genuine or not. And when it came to Death, Azik, his most prominent scion, was impossible to ignore.
While those in the know understood Death had merely used Azik as a tool and revival vessel, to the unaware, Azik was practically a crown prince.
Alaric knew the Numinous Episcopate wasn't a monolith. Some members would likely be eager to push Azik forward, seeing his rise as their own opportunity.
Azik's expression turned thoughtful.
Klein, catching on, said, "You're trying to reshape how people see the Artificial Death? And rein in the Artificial Death faction…"
"Strictly speaking, it's about reining in the entire Numinous Episcopate." Alaric said with a smile. "A secret known by more than three people isn't a secret. Once this message spreads, everyone in the Numinous Episcopate will know Death has returned. They don't have to listen, but some will, won't they? Few know what the Artificial Death truly is. Once divisions form, chaos follows. This also lets us pre-screen which Numinous Episcopate members are worth saving. It'll save us a lot of trouble when we act later."
Crushing the Numinous Episcopate would be easy, but sorting through the aftermath... separating redeemable members from irredeemable ones... would take effort. Alaric was happy to streamline the process. These were, after all, potential assets he could use later.
What? The Numinous Episcopate belongs to Azik?
Nonsense. With Azik's personality and their relationship, Alaric was confident Azik wouldn't refuse him borrowing the Numinous Episcopate's strength. That's why he was so invested in this matter. The Aurora Order was merely an ally, but Azik was one of his own. The distinction was clear.
Alaric trusted Azik completely but couldn't say the same for the True Creator's side.
"Plus, I'm curious." Alaric said, his smile turning intrigued. "For a unique entity like the Artificial Death, what effect might believers' perceptions have?"
Anchors were powerful but carried risks. The gods had learned that appearing in human form allowed believers' perceptions to influence them in return.
This effect might be even stronger with the Artificial Death. Its creation was deeply tied to the faction's actions, and though it was half of Azik's soul, something... likely Salinger's doing... had stripped it of much self-awareness.
In a way, the Artificial Death was akin to the Hidden Sage, a Uniqueness come to life.
So, if believers' perceptions of the Artificial Death were reshaped, could that alter its state?
Alaric thought it worth a try. Failure would cost nothing, but success could make Azik's eventual merging with his other soul-half far easier.
Azik clearly grasped Alaric's intent. His gaze softened as he looked at him, then nodded. "I think it's worth a shot."
Everyone present was decisive. After hashing out the details, that very night, Azik assumed the Artificial Death's mantle and sent a false message to its faction.
Southern Continent, a certain mausoleum...
As the oracle's words faded from his ears, Haiter's expression remained faintly dazed.
He'd never imagined receiving a divine oracle from the Artificial Death, proclaiming Death's return and a reshaping of the faith's tenets.
Was it fake?
Haiter's first instinct was skepticism, but the oracle undeniably came from an entity deeply tied to him. He sensed no trace of the Evernight Goddess or any other presence.
Was it real?
Haiter frowned. He was certain the Artificial Death hadn't been this active recently. How had it suddenly reached a point of issuing such an oracle?
What had happened?
***
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